Cricket Scoring System is a must-know for anyone who is new to the game. Although cricket appears to be a complicated game, the scoring system is actually quite simple and easy to understand once you know the basics. Runs, wickets, overs, and extras all contribute to the outcome of a match.
This article will help you understand the Cricket Scoring System in simple terms so that you can easily follow any match.
Also Read : Reddy Book 247
How Runs Are Scored in Cricket
- Running Between the Wickets
The simplest method of scoring runs in a cricket match is by hitting the ball and then running between the two ends of the cricket pitch. Every time a runner successfully completes a round, one run is added to the total score of the team.
The runners can score:
- 1 run
- 2 runs
- 3 runs
based on the distance the ball has traveled and how fast the runners are moving.
- Boundaries
Boundaries play a significant role in the Cricket Scoring System:
- 4 runs if the ball crosses the boundary after touching the ground
- 6 runs if the ball goes over the boundary without touching the ground
These scoring methods are clearly defined under official cricket rules and often change the momentum of a match.
What Are Extras in Cricket?
Extras are the runs that are given to the batting team without the batter even touching the ball.
Types of Extras
- Wide – The ball is pitched too far from the batter
- No-ball – The bowler has delivered an illegal ball
- Bye – The batter is not touched by the ball but the wicketkeeper
- Leg bye – The batter is touched by the ball but not by the wicketkeeper
Extras are added to the total of the batting team but not to the individual score of the batter.
Wickets and Their Significance
- What Is a Wicket?
A wicket is lost when a batsman gets out. Every team has 10 wickets in an innings.
2. Format of Scoring
The format of scoring is as follows:
Runs/Wickets
Example:
- 145/4 indicates that 145 runs have been scored and 4 wickets have fallen
Understanding wickets is a key part of cricket basics for beginners, as losing wickets affects scoring potential.
Overs and Progress of the Match
- What Is an Over?
An over is a set of 6 valid deliveries by a bowler. An over is used to measure the speed of scoring.
- Run Rate
Run rate is the measure of the speed at which a team is scoring:
Run Rate=Total RunsOvers Faced\text{Run Rate} = \frac{\text{Total Runs}}{\text{Overs Faced}}Run Rate=Overs FacedTotal Runs
It is especially important in limited-overs cricket.
Scoring in Different Cricket Formats
- Test Cricket
- No over limit
- Teams bat as long as wickets remain or time allows
- ODI Cricket
- 50 overs per team
- Balanced scoring approach
- T20 Cricket
- 20 overs per team
- Fast and aggressive scoring
The Cricket Scoring System remains the same, but scoring speed varies by format.
Also Read : LBW Rule in Cricket
Understanding the Scorecard
- Batter’s Score
Displays:
- Runs scored
- Balls faced
- Boundaries hit
- Bowler’s Figures
Displays:
- Overs bowled
- Runs conceded
- Wickets taken
Scorecards provide a comprehensive view of match performance.
Popular Beginner Misconceptions Regarding Scoring
“All Runs Go to the Batter”
Misleading. Extras contribute to the team score alone.
“Wickets Do Not Matter If Runs Are High”
Misleading. Early loss of wickets often results in low scores.
Summary
The Cricket Scoring System appears complex, but it is easy to understand. Runs, extras, wickets, and overs provide a comprehensive view of every match played.
Once beginners grasp the concept of scoring, watching cricket becomes more enjoyable. Reading a scorecard becomes second nature with practice.